Machines can't replace good people

Your article "Independence Grey" (8 August, page 24) pointed out the benefits of assistive technology in helping people with Alzheimer's maintain their independence, and rightly so. I spoke at the Assistive Technology conference in Manchester earlier this year and heard about the developments that providers like Tunstall were making in this area, which was indeed exciting.

But the article didn't give enough emphasis and balance to what really helps older people with Alzheimer's maintain their independence. I believe the human approach taken by their immediate, established, community is one of the strongest factors, if not the strongest factor.

When I was executive director at Anchor I tried to stay in Anchor's own sheltered schemes on my travels. This provided a useful insight into the scheme's functioning, the network of relationships operating and the scheme's culture. I'll never forget being invited to an evening bingo session run by the tenant's committee of a scheme in north London. One of the tenants had quite advanced Alzheimer's and she interrupted the session frequently and wandered in and out. Her neighbours were extremely understanding and managed to find a positive role for her both in and after the session. "She is, after all, just one of us" explained another resident. The strength of community and support she was offered was outstanding.

Managed technological support is fine but we shouldn't forget the power of community – the people dimension. It will be a partnership of the two which will be most effective.